Adjusting Your Little Giant Chicken Automatic Waterer: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to adjust little giant chicken automatic waterer

The Little Giant automatic chicken waterer is a popular choice for poultry owners, providing a reliable source of fresh water for birds. While the water level is preset at the factory, adjustments can be made to increase or decrease the water level. To adjust the water level, you need to remove the metal float cover and the float arm assembly, then loosen the float mounting screw and nut. The water level can then be increased or decreased by rotating the float arm. However, some users have reported issues with overflowing water, which may be due to high water pressure or faulty valves. In such cases, adjusting the spring tension or replacing the valves may be necessary. Overall, the Little Giant automatic chicken waterer is a trusted product for ensuring poultry have access to a consistent water supply.

Characteristics Values
Water level adjustment Screwing the control nut toward the spring increases water level; screwing it away from the spring reduces water level
Bowl overflowing May be due to high water pressure; get a pressure reducer to drop the pressure to 20 psi
Bowl overflowing May be due to a faulty valve; try tightening the valve or replacing it with a new one
Bowl overflowing May be due to incorrect installation; ensure the valve is completely seated into the assembly
Bowl overflowing May be due to debris in the valve; clean the valve by removing it and rinsing it out
Water supply not stopping Ensure water supply pressure is below 50 psi
Water supply not stopping Ensure the float arm moves up and down freely without binding
Water supply not stopping Ensure the float is not hitting the metal float cover when closed
Installation Requires a 1/2 inch pipe to hose adapter to connect to a water hose
Installation Needs to be suspended 2-3 inches from the ground
Installation Can be connected to a garden hose with an adapter that transitions from a 1/2" male iron pipe to a 3/4" female garden hose
Installation Recommended to use mounting hardware for best results
Maintenance Easy to assemble and clean
Maintenance Cover extends beyond the bowl's edge to prevent debris and roosting
Capacity Can hold up to 5 quarts
Dimensions 14 inches long, 12.75 inches wide, and 10.5 inches high

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Adjusting water levels

Adjusting the water level in the Little Giant automatic chicken waterer can be done by following these steps:

First, remove the metal float cover by unscrewing it. Then, remove the float arm assembly by pulling out the connecting pin. Next, loosen the float mounting screw and nut with a screwdriver. Now you can adjust the water level by rotating the float arm up or down. To increase the water level, rotate the float arm up; to decrease it, rotate the float arm down. Once you've achieved the desired water level, make sure to re-tighten the mounting screw and nut securely.

It's important to note that rotating the arm too far up or failing to secure the float mounting screw and nut properly may result in the waterer not being able to stop the water supply flow, leading to continuous water flow. Therefore, always ensure the float arm moves up and down freely without binding and that the float is not hitting the metal float cover when closed.

If you're having issues with the waterer overflowing, it could be due to high water pressure. In such cases, obtaining a pressure reducer from a garden store is recommended. Additionally, some users have reported success in resolving overflowing issues by adjusting the spring tension or tightening the valve with jeweler's needle-nose pliers.

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Troubleshooting

If your Little Giant automatic chicken waterer is not working as it should, there are a few things you can try.

Firstly, check the water pressure. If the water pressure is too high, the valve can fail and cause leaking. If you have the water pressure too low, try turning it up slightly. If this doesn't work, your valve may be faulty and you may need to replace it. You can purchase replacement valves from auto parts stores or online.

If your waterer is overflowing, try adjusting the spring tension by screwing the control nut towards or away from the spring to increase or decrease the water level. If this doesn't work, you may need to adjust the float arm. Remove the metal float cover, then remove the float arm assembly by pulling out the connecting pin. Loosen the float mounting screw and nut with a screwdriver, then rotate the float arm up or down to achieve the desired water level. Make sure to re-tighten the mounting screw and nut securely.

If your waterer is leaking from the valve stem, try tightening it with a pair of pliers or a 4-in-1 tool. If this doesn't work, you may need to clean or replace the valve. You can do this by removing the waterer stems and either cleaning or replacing the valves.

If you are still having issues, contact the manufacturer, Miller Mfg., or the supplier, Cutler Supply, for further troubleshooting advice.

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Installation

To install the Little Giant automatic chicken waterer, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to purchase an adapter to connect the waterer to your water supply. The Little Giant waterer connects to any standard 1/2" NPT pipe or garden hose with the correct adapter. The female end of the waterer is 1/2 inch pipe threads, so a 1/2 inch pipe-to-hose adapter is required. This will allow you to hang the waterer over the fence inside the pen. Alternatively, you can hard pipe it with PVC pipe.

Once you have the correct adapter, follow these steps:

  • Connect the adapter to your water supply, ensuring a tight fit to prevent leaks.
  • Hang the waterer 2-3 inches from the ground to prevent tipping. You can also mount the hose to something just above the bowl for added stability.
  • Attach the waterer to the adapter, screwing it on securely.
  • Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks.

If you are experiencing issues with water pressure, you may need to adjust the water flow rate. The Little Giant waterer operates safely within a pressure range of 20-50 psi. If the water pressure is too high, the valve may fail to shut off properly. You can adjust the water pressure by using a pressure reducer, available at most garden stores.

Additionally, you can make minor adjustments to the water level within the bowl by following these steps:

  • Remove the metal float cover by unscrewing it.
  • Pull out the connecting pin to remove the float arm assembly.
  • Loosen the float mounting screw and nut with a screwdriver.
  • Rotate the float arm up or down to achieve the desired water level.
  • Re-tighten the mounting screw and nut securely.

Note: Rotating the arm too far up or failing to secure the mounting screw and nut properly may cause the waterer to run continuously without shutting off.

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Cleaning

The Little Giant automatic waterer is designed to provide poultry with a regular supply of fresh and clean water. The waterer is easy to clean and maintain, with a cover that extends beyond the bowl to prevent debris from entering the water and keep it clean.

To clean the Little Giant automatic waterer, start by removing the metal float cover by unscrewing it and lifting it out. This will expose the float assembly, which can be rinsed and cleaned with water. Ensure that the float arm is free of any debris or buildup that may prevent it from moving up and down smoothly. Clean the hose washer at the other end of the float assembly as well.

If you are experiencing issues with water leakage or overflow, it may be due to a faulty or defective valve. In this case, you can try cleaning or replacing the valve. First, remove the waterer stem and take out the valve using a suitable tool, such as a 4-in-1 tool. Clean the valve by rinsing it or using a specific cleaner if needed. If the valve is broken or severely damaged, you may need to purchase a replacement.

To prevent leakage, ensure that the valve is securely tightened. You can also check the water pressure, as high water pressure can cause the valve to fail. Adjust the water pressure to the recommended range of 20-50 psi for optimal performance.

Additionally, the waterer should be suspended 2-3 inches from the ground for proper functioning and to prevent tipping. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the Little Giant automatic waterer will help extend its life and ensure a consistent supply of clean water for your poultry.

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Maintenance

The Little Giant automatic chicken waterer is a reliable and durable product for keeping your poultry hydrated. Here are some maintenance tips to ensure its optimal performance and longevity:

Adjusting Water Levels: The Little Giant waterer allows you to adjust the water levels according to your needs. To increase the water level, screw the control nut towards the spring; to decrease it, screw it away from the spring. It is important to be cautious as a slight adjustment can lead to overflowing.

Dealing with Overflowing: If your waterer is overflowing, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, check the water pressure. If it is too high, reduce it to below 50 psi. You can also try adjusting the spring tension by tightening or loosening the bolt connected to the spring. Additionally, ensure that the valve is not defective or leaking. If needed, replace the valve or clean it by disassembling and rinsing the parts.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Regular cleaning of the waterer is important to maintain hygiene and prevent debris buildup. The manufacturer provides instructions for cleaning and maintaining the product. The bowl can be easily removed for cleaning, and the metal float cover can also be detached by removing the screws.

Replacement Parts: Over time, you may need to replace certain parts of the waterer. Little Giant provides replacement valves, which can be purchased separately. Additionally, you can find adapters and mounting hardware from home centres or auto parts stores to ensure a secure setup.

Water Supply Connection: The Little Giant waterer connects to a standard 1/2" NPT pipe or a garden hose with an adapter. Ensure that you have the correct adapter when setting up the waterer to avoid leakage or improper functioning.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your Little Giant automatic chicken waterer functions optimally, providing a consistent and steady water supply for your poultry.

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